Belgium is very well appreciated as a centre for logistics activity, and this is borne out by the figures for the market for the first half of the year. As recorded by JLL, with take-up of 412,000 m² up to the end of June, 2017 is so far outperforming the five year average to the tune of 35%. This is despite being 25% lower than 2016 which the broker describes as an ‘exceptional year’.

The largest transactions this year have been by occupants for own use, such as Katoen Natie which is extending its Loghidden City (Antwerp) site (100,000 m²) and Jost logistics which is constructing 44,000 m² at Trilogiport (Liège).

As usual, the majority of logistics transactions have taken place on the Antwerp-Brussels and Antwerp-Ghent axes, which have accounted for just over half (55%) of all activity.

Where deliveries during the first half of 2017 are concerned, there has been a total of 126,000 m², of which 44,000 m² for Lidl at Marche-en-Famenne and 40,000 m² for Decathlon in the MG Park De Hulst at Willebroek. JLL reports that 23 major logistics projects are currently under construction, totalling 674,000 m². Some 500,000 m² of this space will be delivered this year, bringing the 2017 total to 630,000 m², double the five year average.